your house is on fire and your children are gone!

I can remember singing this little rhyme while laughing and dancing around the yard as a child, but have to admit as an adult it makes absolutely no sense to me. Does anyone know the history behind this? It's kind of like rock-a-bye baby ya know, why does the cradle come down baby and all? What was it doing in the tree anyway? If someone can enlighten me, please do.

Yesterday evening we released 1500 ladybugs into our garden. I've always loved ladybug's and Ace was so excited to find them. We bought them from Home Depot, they're supposed to be a natural pest repellent in gardens and rose bushes (though I'll be honest I just thought it would be neat to release them, which it was btw).

We had so much fun letting them crawl all over our arms and sprinkling them around the garden.

You should have seen Ace as they were crawling up his arms, Lucky just watched with wide eyes as we laughed and wiggled around. Even if the whole "organic pesticide" is a flop, the memories were definitely worth the $4.99.

Afterwards he begged to put a few in his bug house, so I let him keep 2 of them. He was so excited to get his magnifying glass out and examine them. It's such a blessing to watch a child discover something new. Their innocence and awe at God's creations is beautiful, it always leaves me so humbled. I wish I still looked at the world that way and I always promise to try to keep them thinking that way for as long as possible. I remind myself of this every time I catch myself thinking how certain things will be easier when they're older or when I try to interest them in things still beyond their years.

Here are some ladybug inspired reads and crafts to share with your kids. Go get your bag of ladybugs, check out a few of these books and have a blast!

Welcome to the Magical World of Lydia the Ladybug

This enchanting children's book about a little ladybug reveals the importance of thought in shaping destiny. Lydia's simple belief in herself, and positive outlook about life allows her to cope with the rejection of others, while still continuing to have faith in her dreams. It also has a strong message of kindness toward others. As it is ultimately, her compassionate heart which helps her to succeed in the end.

Ladybug magazine opens the door to reading.

LADYBUG magazine is the monthly children’s magazine that opens the door to reading for children ages 3 to 6. Each 40-page issue is filled with page after page of enchanting stories and poems to read aloud that are just the right length for a cozy cuddle. Written by some of the world's best children's authors and illustrated by award-winning artists, LADYBUG magazine is sure to spark young imaginations and develop a love of reading that will last a lifetime.

Activities, games, songs, and recurring appearances by characters including children’s favorites Molly and Emmett enhance each issue. Children will also delight in Brita Granstrom’s “Max and Kate” and Alex de Wolf’s “Mop and Family.”

A removable 4-page activity section provides fun crafts to cut out and make that also build children’s memory and motor skills. Plus, parents can visit an online guide that includes suggestions for additional activities, projects, and books. The fact that LADYBUG magazine has no outside advertising is a distinct advantage.

Perfect for BABYBUG magazine subscribers who are ready to move up, and for all children with a love of stories and adventure. Ladybug Magazine makes a great gift for kids that arrives all year and lasts a lifetime.

Ace and I have been reading this since he was about 2 and we both just love the great stories and activities inside. We especially enjoy he little tear out activity included at the back of each issue, I highly recommend checking this magazine out!
They also have 'sister' magazines such as Spider and Cricket for older kids!